So, What Do You Do?
To the editor:
I was on my way to the top when the elevator stopped to pick up another passenger. I quickly asked the well-dressed young man what he did for a living. “I’m Dean of the Chemistry Department at Very Big U,” he replied.
“Oh,” I said. “Someone has to do it.” He pushed the elevator button and exited before he planned, obviously befuddled by my response.
A professional woman bustled in as though she were trying to beat the crowd that wasn’t there. No sooner had she pushed the elevator button when I pushed her button and asked where she worked.
“I’m the State Comptroller.”
“Well, somebody has to do it,” I politely laughed.
At that point, I awoke from my dream with the realization that I should make that vision reality by striking first. I well remember the first reaction to my answer, “I work in a wastewater plant.”
The normally garrulous gent stood as still as a dumb deer peering into my headlights before he replied with the vacuous comment, “Uh, somebody has to do it.” And he, an educated man.
The second occurrence was a mirror of the first, with the exception that this was an uneducated janitor. This proves that ignorance covers a wide spectrum. Please do not misunderstand. The only problem with ignorance is to remain in that state.
My wife and I were in a class with 10 other couples when someone asked my vocation. I replied, “I’m not going to tell you because half of the people here will wish that I hadn’t told them, half who know a little about my field will find it disgusting, and half of you will wonder why I am not the dean of the chemistry department.”
How did the group respond? While the meeting was not about the “stink plant,” everyone left with an understanding and appreciation for the work that we do. Mission accomplished.
Rolly Church
Crete Wastewater
Crete, Neb.
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Likes the Magazine
To the editor:
Congratulations for 12 fantastic editions of TPO. One simple statement — “It’s your magazine — tell your story” — clearly rings true. On that note, thank you for an excellent magazine and for the free subscription.
TPO is definitely an asset to all wastewater treatment professionals — great topics that cover many aspects of the industry. Not only do the pages of TPO contain a wealth of experience and valuable knowledge, being free is priceless.
I enjoy the format and writing style of your magazine very much. It is simple and very easy to comprehend. I especially appreciate the fact that it is geared more toward being a layman’s magazine, highlighting the real unsung heros in the profession. With any magazine (as in the wastewater treatment profession), there is always room for improvement. In my opinion, TPO improves with every issue.
As for thoughts and suggestions: Keep up the great work! Future articles geared toward industrial wastewater treatment, water reclamation (water reuse projects) and alternative treatment options (such as constructed wetlands) might be nice additions.
Before closing, I’d like to compliment the “Let’s Be Clear” column. The editorial is always interesting and chocked full of wisdom. Take care, and thank you once again.
Respectfully,
Richard Downing “Rob” Robbins Jr.
Wilson, N.C.
